William David Hamilton Sellar, MVO, BA, LLB, LLD, FRHistS, FSAScot

a memoir

Abstract

This paper is a personal memoir of the late David Sellar (1941-2019), written by his first doctoral student who subsequently became a long-standing colleague, collaborator and friend. It reflects in particular on his academic contribution as a very distinguished legal and Highland historian, antiquarian and genealogist. Those who knew his work in one or other of these capacities did not always realise how much he had contributed in his other fields of interest. The paper surveys David’s published output, highlighting the findings of his pioneering researches in Highland clan and Scottish legal history. His combination of history and law found perfect expression in his 2008 appointment as Lord Lyon King of Arms, the ancient office that he held with great distinction until retirement in 2014. A Vice-President of the Society from 1999 to 2002, David was an antiquarian in the fullest sense of the word, taking a serious interest in the physical as well as the documentary evidence of the past. He will take an honoured place in the annals of the Society.